DIY with Dyeables!
In search of a summer project (and fed up with searching for shoes to match my latest dress acquisition,) Le BestDress decided to take matters into our own hands (literally) and see what could be done! The discovery? Dyeable shoes are no longer the cringe-worthy contraptions mum had leftover in her closet from that 1980’s bridesmaid’s ensemble. They now come in loads of styles, and are easily customizable with a bit of creativity.
Le Best Dress recommends the Michele pump from David’s bridal. (link embedded here) And at $59, the price is right! Have it dipped in robin’s egg blue, grab some rhinestones, and bling them out like one of the Hilton sister’s cell phones.
Pair with an embellished clutch for good measure.

Around the World in 3 New Ways…
While on the hunt for a signature ring, I stumbled upon this vintage souvenir ring on Etsy. The adorable piece made me want to explore my French roots, as well as see what other worldly fashions I could find!
Ring, $12 by mylavaliere.

World War II British Propaganda art print, AllPosters.com, $31.99.
Egyptian fantasy sunglasses, by Blitzknitz, $18.
Le Best Bike
Topshop’s first annual summer celebration (or sell-ebration) in New York on Saturday is offering not just a new twist on shopping, but on transportation. The store, which is still somewhat new to New York, is offering 30 bicycles to borrow, as well as bike valets to park your own two-wheeled vehicle. Bikers are given maps of Manhattan and Brooklyn’s hot spots, and are asked to take pictures of themselves in their favorite gear, later to be judged by Chictopia. It seemed only fitting for Le Best Dress to do some research on Le Best Bike.
Chanel bike from Spring/Summer 2008
Vintage Stingray Bike Could it be any cooler?

And don’t forget protection! Chandelier bicycle helmet by Sawako Furuno.
Le Best Bohemian
I usually don’t go gaga over Bohemian frocks, but this gown from Erdem’s Resort 2010 squeeks in just below the radar.
Erdem Moralioglu, who scored a feature article in last September’s W, seems to be a Brit to watch. I’m fascinated by the mix of Victoriana and Orientalism in his prints from this collection and past seasons. His cuts seem to hang effortlessly, and his lines remain clean even on the most airy of garments.
The gown also comes in a black version. Pair with heavy wedges and bangles for day, or delicate gold chains and strappy sandals for night.
Photo courtesy of style.com
Other Erdem blogs: Fashion Pulse Daily, Style Eyes, Fashionising.
Le Best Separates…
I’ve been drooling over this purple satin Dolce and Gabbana skirt for a few months after seeing it at Wilkes Bashford in Carmel… ironically, it retails for about $1500 less online. (Sadly, I’m only tech savvy enough to pirate the small picture.)

Because I think they’re super fab, and because I want my TIF stock to rise back over $30 a share, I recommend pairing it with a piece of Tiffany’s key collection.

Keep the top simple with a cozy cashmere tank from Crumpet, $230. (Who can complain the tank is blah when the brand has a great name?)

Because I would feel bad if you completely broke the bank, I also suggest pairing it with this ‘dark rose tee’ from Forever 21, $22.

Lanvin Kicks the Recession, Posts 29% Sales Increase
While other brands are struggling to make just half their numbers from last year, Lanvin has declared a 29% increase on last year’s sales. Le Best Dress gives the credit to Alber Elbaz; who, rather than aiming to make women ooze sex appeal, has stated his mission as just trying to make his wearer look more interesting and intelligent by donning a Lanvin garment. A big task for a dress, but we think these pieces from the Fall 2009 collection are up for the challenge!



Photos courtesy of fashionologie.com, courtesy of Ghetty Images.
Other Lanvin blogs: New York Times, Iluwfashion, BryanBoy.
Fashion Shoot!
Here’s a peek at last week’s photo shoot for my styling class!


Photographed by Luis Hernandez. Makeup by Michelle Vega. Modeled by Nicole P (LOOK Models.) Produced and styled by Kalla Vieaux.
Dress by Emma Erickson. Top by Nanette Lepore. Tutu, shorts, hat by ACT Costumes. Hosiery by H&M and Emilio Cavallini.
Mail-Order Happiness!
If I had this envelope clutch from Patricia Field, I would never have a sad day again! It’s cheapsies ($54) and also comes in silver and black. Buy all three, carry daily, and tell your neighbors it’s fan mail!

Worth the Wedding!
Le Best Dress is spending the evening in bed ooohhhhing and ahhhhing over the 2010 wedding collections. Who’s made the best dresses for walking down the aisle in 2010? My vote goes to Carolina Herrera, who showed her collection at the Tiffany flagship on 5th Avenue. Here are two dresses from her 2010 bridal collection I love enough to marry!


Photos courtesy of brides.com
Other wedding dress blogs: Wedding Bee, Elle, Trash the Dress.
Sweet Sweet Stripes
Today I’ve found myself really wanting to read up on the story of the stripe. The most comprehensive stripe source I’ve found is The Devil’s Cloth: A History of Stripes by Michael Pastoureau… and so I’ve ordered it. In the mean time, why not frolic in something striped for spring?

You can get a copy at Amazon.

Ballroom Blitz Dress from Modcloth (sorry, sold out!)

Striped Taffeta Dress from Karen Millen ($235)
Other stripe blogs: Stylelist, fashion tribes, Fatal Attraction 2 Fashion.